The day before, on 4 November, Denis Lebedev won the vacant WBA ‘interim’ title when outpointing an ageing James Toney over 12 rounds at the Khodynka Ice Palace, Moscow, Russia. Lebedev next defended the WBA ‘interim’ title against Shawn Cox, winning by a second-round kayo at the Crocus City Hall, Myakinino, Russia, on 4 April 2012.

Booked to defend against Lebedev in October 2012, after Jones argued that he needed more time the fight was eventually put back until 12 December. When this was followed by further delaying tactics the WBA gave Jones the title of 'Champion in Recess' before handing the Russian the title at the end of October.